As excited as we can all get about craft brew, it is humbling to realize just how small a part of the overall beer market it really is. Two reports published in the last week cast that into sharp relief. First, a market report by beverage accountants Frank, Rimerman + Co. takes a look at the possible future of craft beer, particularly in light of the success and “premiumization” of the wine industry. The authors conclude that craft beer is… Read More »

In the wake of their win at the Great American Beer Festival this month, Bear Republic is rightfully crowing about taking a Bronze home in the Scotch Ale category for their beer Heritage. (The only other Sonoma County winners were Third Street Aleworks, which took two medals, and Russian River with one. Nearby Moylans also picked one up). This week, the brewery sent out a little essay explaining the name and the beer, which is in a malt-centric style that… Read More »

The 2013 winners for the Great American Beer Festival, just wrapping up in Denver, are out and our big winner locally was Third Street AleWorks, with two awards, including a gold. Russian River, Moylan’s and Bear Republic each picked up one award. Here’s the complete list for your reading pleasure, but I’ll pull out our local friends for simplicity: GOLD – Third Street AleWorks for Blarney Sisters’ Dry Irish Stout in the Classic Irish-style Stout category. SILVER – Russian River… Read More »

The California State Senate unanimously passed a bill Monday allowing breweries to fill growlers that do not have their name emblazoned on them. The state Assembly has already passed the measure, but will need to vote on some changes made by the senate. It is expected to take up the measure soon and the bill seems likely to head to the governor’s desk. Traditionally, state alcohol regulators allowed breweries to fill growlers – the big jugs, usually glass and usually… Read More »

Fans of Santa Rosa’s Third Street Aleworks will be able to enjoy the brewery’s best selling Bodega Head IPA at home now. General Manager Mike Mathot tells me that the beer should hit the shelves of area stores soon in 22 oz. bottles, known to beer geeks as bombers. It joins Puddle Jumper Pale Ale and Bombay Rouge India Red Ale as part of the brewery’s bottle line up, which debuted about 18 months ago. It should be available in… Read More »

As you have certainly noticed, beer companies have a long and not entirely dignified history of employing (or exploiting) breasts to sell their products in ads. Since 2000, however, some breweries have turned this partnership to a more noble cause, this time exploiting beer to help breasts, or at least help fund breast cancer treatment. About 80 breweries will join host Marin Brewing Company on Saturday for Breastfest 2013 at the Fort Mason Center Festival Pavilion in San Francisco from… Read More »

About This Blog

A resident of Santa Rosa for most of his life, Peter Lopez Jr., 34, has taken over the duties of beer blogger for the Press Democrat. He has been a part of the beer and wine industry for almost his entire adult life and brings a wealth of knowledge. Currently Peter is a partner at the Healdsburg Emporium where he does the beer and wine purchasing. He is also the wine buyer at Fircrest Market in Sebastopol and the administrator of the NorCal Beer Geeks group on Facebook.

Beer is a big business in this part of the world, with some of the best and most sought-after brews made right in our own back yard. But too often that beer culture is hidden behind the iconic wine industry that defines the region. The Beer Country blog will bring you news and notes about our local brew scene, and maybe a little about cider while we’re at it. Have news, ideas, or questions that need answering? Drop a line in the comments section of the blog or email us at info@pressdemocrat.com